Causes and Prevention of Injury in Downhill Skiing

Abstract

In brief: This literature review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the causes of injury in downhill skiing and discusses the incidence, distribution, risk factors, and prevention of injuries. The incidence of serious injury ranges from two to four per 1,000 ski days. About 55% of all downhill ski injuries involve the lower extremity; many of these are equipment-related. Potential risk factors fall into categories including personal characteristics, skill level, physical condition, behavior, equipment, and environment. Beginners are at higher risk, but taking lessons probably lowers the risk to some extent. Properly adjusted ski bindings undoubtedly can further lower the incidence of lower extremity injury. Similarly, improvements in the design of boots, bindings, and poles can probably make skiing safer.